Most of us are pretty careful what we put in our mouths, washing our veggies and trying to avoid unnecessary food additives. But when it comes to our homes, the chemical load is often underestimated.

In fact, the average house may contain as many as 400 chemicals, many untested, according to a 2009 study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

If you’re keen to lower your exposure, where do you start? Here’s 4 simple changes you can make today to enjoy a healthier, more natural home.

1. Swap your household products for more natural cleaning alternatives

Cleaning products are one of the biggest culprits for chemicals in the home, and tossing them for more natural cleaning options is a great place to start your detox journey.

You can DIY using essential oils and pantry staples if you’re super keen - but if you don’t have the time or it’s not your thing, there are easier options.

Products such as Bosisto’s natural cleaning range combine the powerhouse cleaning properties of natural eucalyptus oil, in low tox formulas that are kind to the earth.

Bosisto’s also proves that you don’t have to give up results for a more natural clean, with its CHOICE recommended Multipurpose Cleaner beating most traditional surface cleaners in independent tests. (Yes, you can have a clean kitchen and a clean conscience!)

2. Ditch traditional air fresheners for essential oils & diffusers

If there’s only one habit you change at home, make it this one. Plug in or aerosol spray air fresheners might smell nice, but they can seriously impact indoor air quality. They are also associated with elevated levels of potentially toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formadehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toulene, ethyl benzene and xylenes to name a few.

If you can’t give up your ocean breeze or frangipani bouquet, don’t worry: there are more natural alternatives. You may think of diffusers and essential oils as mood-boosting tools, and they are… but did you know they’re also incredibly effective air fresheners?

Make the swap to Bosisto’s Air Care range (in Coles and online here) and you’ll never look back. Not only are the 100% natural-origin fragrances absolutely divine, helping set the mood of your space from calm to uplifting - you can set and forget the Ambience diffuser for up to 7 hours. What a breath of fresh air!

3. Take shoes off at door

This one little habit tweak is a real game changer. Why? Leaving your shoes at the door can keep out up to 80% of the contaminants they can track in. That can include nasties like pesticides, lead, road sealant, car exhaust fumes, bacteria (such as E.Coli), pollen and of course lots and lots of dust!

Not only will kicking off your kicks help reduce toxins in your home, it’ll also reduce your vaccuming time and extend the life of your carpets. Win win.

4. Include more plants

We know that plants oxygenate our air, but did you know they might help clean it, too?

A NASA Clean Air study found a number of indoor plants useful in removing toxic chemicals from the air, including known carcinogens benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

Not to mention, they are also beautiful and make us feel good! So which ones should you include in your indoor air-purifying arsenal? Some of the best include:

• Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
• Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Philodendron
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

If you work in an office, why not consider a plant for your office desk, too? Going green and clean never looked better.

SHOP BOSISTO’S CLEANING PRODUCTS
SHOP BOSISTO’S AIR CARE RANGE

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

References:
https://www.health.com/home/9-ways-to-detox-your-home
https://www.healthline.com/health/taking-off-your-shoes#benefits